BPW Canada (officially known as the CFBPWC) was established in 1930, although some Canadian clubs existed provincially prior to that date. Below is a photo from BPW Canada's 5th Biennial Convention held in Calgary, Alberta in 1935.

BPW Canada was a founding member of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women, also established in 1930 which has held Consultative status at the United Nations (ECOSOC) since 1947. Our International history can be viewed here.

Click here to view the BPW Canada General Timeline including Past Presidents, locations of Conventions and Congress.

History of Women's Rights: Dr. Dorothy Williams, BPW Montreal, has graciously assembled a PowerPoint presentation featuring the History of Women’s Rights starting in 1608 up until 2011. You may find this to be an enlightening glimpse into the past.

A very large part of women's rights history in Canada is the story of the “Famous Five” and the “Persons” case. Click here to read a brief history on the women, their fight and the outcome.

Who were these women?

Emily Murphy (1868-1933) Social reformer, author, first female magistrate in the British Empire (Commonwealth) and the leader of the Famous Five.

Louise McKinney (1868-1931) First woman in the British Empire (Commonwealth) to be elected by both men and women to a provincial legislature, Alberta.

Henrietta Muir Edwards (1849-1931) Social activist, author, Convenor of Laws for the National Council of Women.

Irene Parlby (1868-1965) First female Cabinet Minister in Alberta, second in the British Empire (Commonwealth), first president of the Alberta Farm Women's Association.

Nellie McClung (1873-1951) prominent suffragist, author, orator, and first female member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

(This information is from the book "With Enthusiasm & Faith" and the Famous Five Foundation literature).

Did you know that in 2004, BPW Canada was invited to unveil the bronze monument of the “Famous Five” on Parliament Hill? Click here to read this story.

Did you know that in 1938, BPW Canada installed a bronze plaque, commemorating the Famous Five, at the Senate Chamber entrance on Parliament Hill?

Did you know that the new $50 bill, unveiled in Calgary in 2004, showcased the image of the bronze monument of Alberta's Famous Five? The unveiling commemorated the 75th anniversary of the “Persons” case in 1929.

Further reading about BPW

Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (1980). 1930-1980. Commemorating fifty years of service to the Status of Women. No ISBN number.

Deakin, Phyllis A. (1996). The History of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women, Volume 1, 1930-1968. Published by International Federation of Business and Professional Women, London, UK. ISBN 0-9562-6041-5.

With Enthusiasm and Faith: History of the Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs, 1930-1983. Book I compiled by Elizabeth (Bess) Forbes, 1974. Book II complied by Nazla L. Dane, 1983.

Taylor, Margaret Allen and John Claridge Taylor (1996). The History of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women, Volume 2, 1968-1995. Published by International Federation of Business and Professional Women, London, UK. ISBN ISBN 0-9526-6042-3.